SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) awards its Black Pearl Award annually to a company for its efforts in advancing food safety and quality through consumer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence to standards, and support of the goals and objectives. This year, IAFP picked Tyson Foods, Inc., as recipient of the honor.

Sponsored by F&H Food Equipment Co., the Black Pearl Award will be presented at IAFP’s Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, in July.

Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods’ brands are sold to retailers and foodservice operators throughout the US and in more than 130 countries around the world.

IAFP cited Tyson’s Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights in picking Tyson for the award.

“Tyson Foods and its 124,000 TEAM Members strive to operate with integrity and trust and are committed to providing safe, quality products to its customers,” IAFP noted in a press release. “The company has developed leading programs in food safety and quality assurance and is the largest giver of meat-based protein to food banks in the U.S., continuously improving its sustainability and safe food production efforts. Tyson Foods’ FarmCheck program and other related initiatives are a natural extension of its long-standing commitment to responsible farm animal care.”

“Tyson Foods’ commitment to operating our business honorably extends beyond the products: to people, animals and the planet,” said Donnie Smith, Tyson president and CEO. “It’s important we make a difference by providing a hand up to those in need through disaster and hunger relief, and we fully respect the animals and environment entrusted to us.”